Brought Together by Technology

Published September 26th, 2012

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OCALA, FL.-

It's a way to open up the world for people who live in nursing homes. Senior citizens are now using the latest technology to expand their horizons. Residents of a nursing home in Ocala are getting the chance to use this technology during their leisure time.

They get to play games just like everybody else, but it's also comes in handy as a form of contact. One resident who can't talk or get out of bed, is using the iPad to skype with her family. Today we were there with Ruth Anne Yorko when she got a skype call from a very special someone.

"Hi mom. This is the baby. This is jack. "

This is the moment Ruth Anne Yorko has been waiting for. Getting to see her newborn grandson for the very first time via skype.

"Say I can't wait to meet you."

Ruth Anne has been a resident at Avante nursing home for the past year and a half and suffers from Lou Gehrigs disease. She can't talk, move her arms or even leave her bed.

The only way Ruth Anne was able to listen to her family was by phone while someone held it up close to her ear, but now she can do a whole lot more than just hear there voices.

She can see their faces and meet new members of the family like this little fellow who is only a week old. All because of the iPad.

"We have all been in tears in there with her doing it and the look. Ruth has got a very expressive face. She can tell you a lot with her face and just to see her face when she sees her daughter it's just very warming," said Patty Hughes who is the therapeutic recreation coordinator at Avante.

Hughes said after attending a conference in Jacksonville, she begged the residents council for an iPad. The next thing she knows the iPad is making it's way around the building and making the residents smile.

"Right now in a group setting we do a lot of games like a horse racing app a hang man app, wheel of fortune stuff like that," said Hughes.

As well as using some of the newest technology to meet Ruth Anne's newest family.

"We miss you, we love you and we will see you soon."

Hughes said the goal is to get enough donations to buy a couple more iPads. They even want to buy a projector and a screen so that they can use the bingo app. Call the Avante nursing home if you would like to donate.